Japan Osaka Weather in December — Climate Guide
December in Osaka is Good
December is Good for Osaka.
December's first three weeks are Osaka's most magical — the Osaka Light Renaissance illuminations transform Naniwabashi Bridge, Nakanoshima Park, and the Mido-suji Boulevard into a 7km light-display walking course. Christmas markets at Hep Five (with an iconic ferris wheel) and Umeda Sky Building's German-style market are warm-drink and roasted-chestnut destinations.
USJ runs Christmas events including a 30-meter Christmas tree at the central plaza and a special parade. Tickets are at peak December prices ($65-75/day) but the holiday atmosphere is unique.
Travel score
Osaka December Weather Stats
Avg High
12.3°C
Avg Low
5°C
Rainy Days
5
49mm total
Sunshine
5.7h
Daily avg
Humidity
60%
Dry
UV Index
2
Low
Wind
9 km/h
Gusts 18
Sea Temp
16°C
Avg water temp
Snow Days
0.5
Monthly avg
Crowds
Busy
At attractions
December Sunrise & Sunset
Expect about 0.5 snow days this month. Bring slip-resistant shoes and warm gear.
Air Quality
PM2.5
18 μg/m³
PM10
26 μg/m³
Status
Moderate
Feels-Like Temperature & Wind
Feels like
Daytime
11°C
Nighttime
3°C
Humidity and wind affect how the actual temperature feels.
Wind
9 km/h
Max gust 18 km/h
Activities Recommended for December
December Travel Pros & Cons
Pros
- Magical Light Renaissance illuminations (mid-December)
- Christmas markets at Hep Five and Umeda
- Clear cold weather perfect for Mt. Koya day trips
Cons
- December 28-January 3 closes many small businesses
- Hotel rates spike 50-100% for New Year week
- Daylight short (sunset 4:50 PM)
December Events & Festivals
- Osaka Light Renaissance (mid-December to early January) — citywide illuminations
- Christmas markets at Hep Five and Umeda Sky Building
- USJ Christmas events (Crystal Christmas tree at center plaza)
- Year-end Bonenkai (forget-the-year) parties everywhere
Osaka in December — Full Picture
December's first three weeks are Osaka's most magical — the Osaka Light Renaissance illuminations transform Naniwabashi Bridge, Nakanoshima Park, and the Mido-suji Boulevard into a 7km light-display walking course. Christmas markets at Hep Five (with an iconic ferris wheel) and Umeda Sky Building's German-style market are warm-drink and roasted-chestnut destinations.
USJ runs Christmas events including a 30-meter Christmas tree at the central plaza and a special parade. Tickets are at peak December prices ($65-75/day) but the holiday atmosphere is unique.
December 25 (Christmas) is treated as a couples' date night in Japan — restaurants run special menus, and dinner reservations get scarce. Book 1 week ahead.
Late December (December 28-January 3) is the New Year holiday period (oshogatsu). Many small restaurants close for 4-6 days. Hotel prices spike 50-100% for December 30-January 2. Trains to family hometowns sell out weeks ahead.
Weather is cold but generally clear and dry. Snow occasionally falls but doesn't stick. Mt. Koya day trips offer pure winter atmosphere with traditional shukubo (temple stay) options.
What to Wear & What to Pack
Heavy coat, scarf, gloves. Layered with warm sweaters under a windproof outer layer. Daytime 12°C / 54°F, evenings drop to 5°C / 41°F.
Packing Checklist
Seasonal Weather Overview
Spring (Mar·Apr·May)
19.4°C
10.7°C
9/mo
Summer (Jun·Jul·Aug)
30.9°C
23.1°C
10/mo
Autumn (Sep·Oct·Nov)
23.6°C
15.9°C
7.7/mo
Winter (Dec·Jan·Feb)
Current10.7°C
3.6°C
5.3/mo
Osaka Monthly Weather Comparison
| Month | High | Low | Rain | Sun | Humid | UV | Crowd | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 9.5° | 2.8° | 5d·47mm | 5.5h | 60% | 2 | Quiet | Low season | |
| 10.4° | 2.9° | 6d·60mm | 6.1h | 60% | 3 | Quiet | Low season | |
| March (Best) | 13.7° | 5.7° | 9d·104mm | 6.4h | 62% | 4 | Busy | Peak |
| April (Best) | 19.9° | 10.7° | 9d·103mm | 6.5h | 64% | 6 | Very busy | Peak |
| May (Best) | 24.5° | 15.6° | 9d·134mm | 6.7h | 67% | 8 | Busy | Peak |
| 27.8° | 19.9° | 12d·187mm | 4.7h | 72% | 9 | Moderate | Shoulder | |
| 31.6° | 24° | 11d·174mm | 5.5h | 73% | 10 | Moderate | Shoulder | |
| 33.4° | 25.3° | 7d·113mm | 6.3h | 70% | 10 | Busy | Peak | |
| 29.5° | 22° | 9d·153mm | 6.2h | 71% | 7 | Moderate | Shoulder | |
| October (Best) | 23.7° | 16° | 8d·130mm | 5.9h | 67% | 5 | Busy | Peak |
| November (Best) | 17.6° | 9.7° | 6d·73mm | 5.8h | 64% | 3 | Busy | Peak |
| 12.3° | 5° | 5d·49mm | 5.7h | 60% | 2 | Busy | Peak |
View Other Months
Osaka December Hotel Picks
Frequently Asked Questions
Is December a good time to visit Osaka?
Osaka in December is Good. Tourist crowds are busy and flight/hotel prices are peak.
What's the average temperature in Osaka in December?
Osaka December averages a high of 12.3°C and a low of 5°C.
Does it rain much in Osaka in December?
Osaka December averages 49mm of rainfall over about 5 rainy days.
What should I wear in Osaka in December?
Heavy coat, scarf, gloves. Layered with warm sweaters under a windproof outer layer. Daytime 12°C / 54°F, evenings drop to 5°C / 41°F.
What time are sunrise and sunset in Osaka in December?
Osaka December sunrise is 06:59 and sunset is 16:45, with 9h 45m of daylight.
What's the air quality like in Osaka in December?
Osaka December air quality (AQI) averages 42, rated Good. PM2.5 averages 18μg/m³.
What activities are recommended in Osaka in December?
In December, Osaka is great for Osaka Light Renaissance illuminations, Christmas markets, USJ Christmas events.
Is December peak season in Osaka?
Osaka December crowds are busy and prices are peak. Advance reservations are strongly recommended.
Best Months to Visit Osaka
View Other Months
Why you can trust weather guide
Based in Chiang Mai for 8+ years, with 30+ countries visited across Southeast Asia, Japan, and Europe. Every detail in this guide is primary-source verified as of April 2026, with prices auto-refreshed via live exchange rate APIs. This isn't AI-generated boilerplate — it's written from the perspective of someone who has actually been there.